Cougars claim Homecoming victory
The Central McLean Cougars rose to the occasion on homecoming night, earning a hard-fought victory over a previously unbeaten opponent.
Central McLean defeated the Southern McLean Roughriders 30-22 Friday, Sept. 18, in a matchup between two Region 4 contenders.
The victory improved the Cougars to 4-1 overall and 3-1 in regional play while Southern McLean fell to 4-1 overall and 3-1 in the region.
With the stands filled for homecoming and added attention surrounding a matchup between neighboring programs, the Cougars delivered one of their most important performances of the season.
Central McLean matched Southern McLean’s physical style and did enough throughout the night to secure the eight-point victory.
Central McLean Head Coach Grant Singer said his players remained composed when the game became difficult.
“The kids handled adversity really well and kept playing hard,” Singer said. “They did a great job of meeting the physicality of the game.”
That ability to respond proved important against a Southern McLean team that had opened its season with four consecutive victories.
The Roughriders entered the matchup at the top of the Region 4 standings after earning wins over Carrington, Hazen, Bowman County and Shiloh Christian.